A review by reggiewoods
Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh

dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Life is nasty, short, brutish and cruel, especially in Lapvona. Really nasty. Flat out disgusting. Gross. The question is, why? Moshfegh is going to great lengths to turn our stomachs, but what is it she’s trying to get us to see? Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe some morality tale about income inequality or nepotism? I think I have to agree with the critics and say she just wants to gross us out. It’s a one-note story, misery, and that note is played on a group of characters that have very little to like about themselves or one another. The plot is interesting, but the characters lack of interest in one another really mutes what should be very striking moments. It is much better written than what you would expect from fetishist fiction, but beyond that shock value I’m not sure what else it offers to entice readers. I only recommend if you delight in the repulsive. 
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